Brothers Jack and George Railton competed in the Lincolnshire County Championships at Lincoln University on Sunday.

Priory Ruskin Academy student Jack won the under-15s boys’ singles title in a brilliant match, well fought by both opponents, to cap a really good season.

Following a close first game 25-23 defeat, Jack came back from 10-4 to win 23-21 and level the match, and then won the decider 23-21.

Following in his older brother’s footsteps, Barrowby Primary School pupil George won with his partner in the under-11 doubles, playing very well in some closely constested games.

Both brothers thanked Grantham club coaches Rod Tyler and John Mayfield for their support, along with their county coaches Paul Mayfield, Alex Cruickshank and Matt Atmore.

The local campaign to safeguard pupils crossing Harrowby Road to and from St Anne’s Primary School has been running for three years.

County concillors have just rejected a proposal for a zebra crossing near the school, although parents and residents have actually always wanted a crossing patrol ‘lollipop’ person – properly protected against intimidation by inconsiderate and aggressive drivers.

Lincolnshire County Council has said that this crossing “does not meet the criteria for a crossing patrol person”. Only one criterion is quoted, viz “not enough children use it”. How many ‘criteria’ do they need before a child is seriously – even fatally injured?

Would such a tragic statistic eventually give them enough bureaucratic justification to do something practical and sensible to protect these youngsters – albeit too late?

Brian Bruce

Bourne Road, Colsterworth

Mayor of Grantham Ian Selby rode a shire horse through town yesterday to lead the annual carnival parade.

Rain threatened to take the shine off the parade as it fell just minutes before the start, but it cleared and Coun Selby rode Hercules along High Street as crowds greeted those taking part.

This year’s theme is pantomimes and nursery rhymes and a colourful parade made its way from Market Place, down High Street to St Catherine’s Road before turning on to Sandon Road and down Hill Avenue before reaching the arena in Wyndham Park.

Every year prizes are presented to the best dressed in the parade. This year’s commercial section winners were Grantham Retailers Association with Jysk in second place and Wise Move in third. The winners of the non-commercial section were Grantham Dramatic Society with Harrowby Singers in second and Clarence House Nursery in third.

Entertainment continues in Wyndham Park. The arena programme starts from 12.30pm. There is a classic car show today in Queen Elizabeth Park from 8am until 4.30pm.

Full details can be found in the Journal or on our website.

Grantham Town’s squad for the 2014-15 campaign looks like being pretty much unchanged from last season.

Joint managers Wayne Hallcro and Jimmy Albans have retained the majority of the team that finished strongly at The Meres last season.

Goalkeeper Dan Haystead has re-signed, as have Sam Purcicoe, Paul Lister, Deon Meikle, Lee Potts, Michael Towey, Rhys Lewis, Kieran Walker, Jack McGovern, Paul Grimes, Gregg Smith and Jordan Hempenstall.

Albans said: “To have settled with so many players is a massive boost for us. Everyone saw the potential at the end of the season and we want to work with that when we start pre-season on June 28.”

The only new signing the managerial pair have made so far is that of Phil Watt who makes a welcome return once again to the Gingerbreads.

Albans said: ““Watty has been someone we wanted to bring back for a while. He has had 18 months away and will have learnt more, so we think we are getting a better player back.

“Everything about what is happening at the club and his time here before persuaded him to play his football here again. He has played some of the best football of his career so far while here and knows he is appreciated by everyone.”

Albans and Hallcro plan to only make a few more additions to the squad they already have.

Albans said: “We are not looking at a 20-man squad. We want a strong 16 players who can all fill starting spots. Another three to four players is all we are looking for and we are on the phone daily talking to our targets.”

In the past I have thanked the warden service, the helpline, the ambulance service, all at Grantham Hospital and Vine Street surgery.

Now it’s time to thank SKDC. They provide me with a home and help with the garden. If I have a problem they are here to help. The staff are helpful and polite. SKDC I thank you.

A grateful resident

Name and address supplied

Established 18 months ago, Ropsley Colts Football Club is going from strength to strength.

The club has 55 youngsters who play regularly at weekend sessions.

About 40 per cent of youngsters at the village primary school are members and the club is proud that it has a healthy representation of girls, as well as boys.

At the moment it has under seven, under eight and under nine teams, with plans to introduce an under ten team next year and eventually to have teams all the way up to under 15 so players can progress to adult level.

Ropsley Colts FC is affiliated to the Lincolnshire Football Association and takes part in the Grantham Youth Football League.

The club has been helped to buy equipment by Ropsley Parish Council and sponsors Auto-Mobile, GJR Consulting, Mortimer Vibroll and Oceans Health and Fitness.

For more information on the club and how to get involved, email ropsleycolts@live.co.uk or follow them on Twitter @ropsleycolts.

With the 70th anniversary of D-Day, I would like to pay tribute to my much-loved father, John Roche, and also to his brothers Patrick and Tom who all played significant roles in defeating the Hitler regime in the Second World War.

John and Patrick came home, but Tom, a trainee pilot in the 9th Army, 6th Airborne Division was wounded in action during the drop to take Pegasus Bridge, and died shortly afterwards. He is buried in Normandy.

Patrick, transferred from Horse to 8th Army Tank Regiment and fought through Africa.

My father John fought long campaigns throughout the war. Key players in Operation Torch, the 2nd Army in North Africa were instrumental in defeating Rommell through Algeria and Tunisia, before John continued fighting his way up through Sicily and Italy to fight the most savage battle of Anzio.

From Northern France he continued the conflict through the Lowlands to liberate Belgium, where he met the love of his life, my mother.

After the war he returned to Ghent and they married before returning to England. They settled in Grantham and are buried together in Harrowby Road cemetery. They had two daughters, Patricia and myself, Deanna.

Our love and gratitude to the three brave Roche brothers from all their extended family.

Deanna de Roche

By email

Barrowby Lions under-12s represented Grantham Lions Club in the annual Retford Lions Six-a-side Football Tournament.

Having played six league games, Barrowby made it through to the semi-final of the shield, in which they beat Ordsall Rangers 3-0.

They then defeated Woodhall Spa 1-0 in the final to be crowned champions.

Barrowby Lions would like to thank Godfrey Mackinder for kindly asking the team to represent Grantham Lions, and the day was enjoyed by all.

Pictured from left, Barrowby Lions are, back – manager Sammy Down, Seb Edwards, Max Fedorson, Sam Wright, Joe Down, Corey Evans, Korban Read, Ben Cullen,Dom Foister and Godfrey Mackinder; front – Dillon Foister, 
Billy Down, Cody Evans and Toby Cullen.

International success helping HIV patients in Ethiopia has enabled a storage company to move to bigger premises in Grantham, as well as look to increase its workforce.

Raxel Storage Systems was previously based in Leadenham, but since last Friday it has switched to a bigger office and warehouse at Limesquare Business Park on the edge of Alma Park.

Managing director Matt Daniele said securing international contracts over the last 15 months had enabled Raxel to relocate to a bigger site and take on more staff.

He said: “The business has been going for 28 years, but for the first time we have started exporting to other countries.”

It started with the company’s successful delivery of $35,000 of plastic tote containers to Ethiopia on behalf of USAID, which works closely with the country’s Pharmaceutical Fund and Supply Agency to stock life-saving drugs for HIV patients.

Following this, Raxel tendered for a £1.1 million project in the country involving adjustable pallet racking, and was awarded the contract ahead of two international storage equipment manufacturers.

Mr Daniele added: “We now have the opportunity for the company to continue to grow in Grantham.”

Having followed the recent debate regarding the Ropsley Fox and its closure, the protest group may like to know that they could apply to SKDC to have the pub listed as an ‘Asset of Community Value’ (ACV).

The introduction of the Localism Act in 2011, allowed communities throughout England to nominate valued facilities such as pubs for this type of listing. This allows campaigners time to come up with a viable use for the affected premises.

All that is required is a minimum of 21 members of the local community that are listed on the electoral roll within the local authority, or a neighbouring local authority. Further information is available from http://mycommunityrights.org.uk/community-right-to-bid/

Further support can be offered by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Andy Hides

Branch secretary - Grantham CAMRA

Are other readers aware that Lincolnshire County Council is proposing to get rid of the free parking on Station Road East?

Despite being wide and straight and having no houses, the council want to spend money sticking yellow lines along it so commuters have to pay £11 to use the station parking.

It seems they are hand in glove with the car parks and it will force many to park along residential streets or stop using the train.

The council should have better things to do .

The current lines are a joke and serve no purpose.

We only have until July to respond to Mr WIlls at Lincolnshire County Council. I hope others will do just that before the traffic wardens are given more yellow lines to make money from.

Stefan Brace

By email

After sifting through hundreds of your nominations, we can now reveal the shortlist for Salon of the Year 2014 #SalonOfTheYear

We need YOU to help us find the top hairdressing and/or beauty salon in our area.

Somewhere that’s a cut above the rest and doesn’t take you at face value.

Your favourite salon might provide the best blow-dries, the perfect haircuts, the neatest threading, the hottest self-tans, the most relaxing massages, fantastic facials or the most glamorous nails.

Whether it’s the way they colour your hair, the extra little touches, or the friendly welcome you always receive, we want to hear from you!

To vote for your favourite salon, you can either send us a text (details below), and/or fill out the coupon (in this week’s paper) and post it to us.

The salon that receives the most votes will be crowned the Grantham Journal Salon of the Year 2014.

SHORTLIST

101 - Bailey’s, 17-18 St Catherine’s Road, Grantham, NG31 6TT

102 - Blunt, 42 Swinegate, Grantham, NG31 6RL

103 - En|hance Beauty, Unit B, 35 Brook Street, Grantham, NG31 6RX

104 - Gene’s Barbershop, 98 Westgate, Grantham, NG31 6LE

105 - Hair Band, 1 Westgate, Grantham, NG31 6LT

106 - Hair by Maria & Co., 63 Welby Street, Grantham, NG31 6EA

107 - Head Office Hair Designers, 8 Vine Street, Grantham, NG31 6RQ

108 - Headroom, 1 Kings Walk, Grantham, NG31 6NL

109 - Locks of Love 74 Hillingford Way, Grantham, NG31 7PJ

110 - Shades, 4 Blue Court, Guildhall Street, Grantham, NG31 6NJ

111 - The Coloroom, 76 Westgate, Grantham, NG31 6LA

112 - UK Hair & Beauty, The Old Malthouse, Commercial Road, Grantham, NG31 6DE

HURRY! VOTES MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE 9AM ON MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014

HOW TO VOTE BY TEXT

Text your vote before 9am on Monday, June 23, 2014 to 65550. Simply start your text with the words: GJPVOTE followed by a space, then the 3-digit number of the salon you think should win (as detailed). Follow this with your name, your address (inc. postcode), and your email address (if you have one).

Text messages cost 50p each (in addition to your standard network charge) and should contain no more than 160 characters.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Text-line closes at 08.59am on Monday, June 23, 2014. You will receive a reply-message to confirm receipt of your text vote. Your text message must follow the exact format stated, otherwise your vote may not be counted but you may still be charged. If you text after the stated closing date your vote will not be counted but you may still be charged. Johnston Press standard competition terms and conditions apply (these can be found at www.johnstonpress.co.uk/jpplc/competition) and voting is deemed as acceptance of these terms. We cannot accept votes by email. Johnston Press Plc (the publishers of this newspaper) or its agents may use your information to contact you by mail, email, phone or SMS/MMS to let you know about our (or our partners’) products, services, and offers. By giving us your address and phone numbers you agree that we may contact you by these methods for marketing. Please add the word EXIT at the end of your text message if you do not wish to receive these. SMS service is provided by mGage Llc., SE1 8ND (020 7633 5000). To contact Johnston Press Midlands Marketing Department call 01604 467081 or email midlands.marketing@jpress.co.uk.

At the Grantham Journal Business Awards ‘liquid deli’ The Trickling Tap were winners of the Business Innovation Award as well as runners-up in the Best New Start-up and Green Achievement categories.

Paul Adams, who is co-director with his wife Karen and son Luke, told the Journal more about the innovative business.

What did it mean to win?

It was a big surprise but also a tremendous boost for the business and recognition of the hard work in planning and setting up the shop, and turning an idea into reality.

You describe The Trickling Tap as a ‘liquid deli’ - how does this work?

We offer a wide range of liquid products with an emphasis on a loose or refill style. Products range from wine, coffee beans, loose tea, oils, vinegars and spirits to craft beers and over 100 different whiskies, gins and vodkas from around the world.

You were also finalists for Best New Start-up - how did it all start?

About 10 years ago we had the dream of importing Italian wine direct from Italy. This expanded into an overall plan to offer quality products that are difficult to find in traditional high street stores and supermarkets.

What advice do you have for others thinking of setting up their own business?

Research the business well and plan it thoroughly before putting together a robust and detailed business plan. Market research is crucial and understanding the demographic of your customers is important. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes but learn from them and take advice when given. Stick to your goals.

It is very much a family business - who is involved and how do you find running a business together?

The business is owned and run by three of us - Luke, our son, my wife Karen and myself. Karen and I also have full-time jobs in the insurance industry so Luke manages the business day-to-day, while we work behind the scenes and in the shop on Saturdays. I also look after the financial side. It creates pressure from time to time but we work together and overcome any issues jointly. We all have our strengths and preferred sections of the business so together we can cope well.

You were finalists for the Green Achievement Award too - in what ways do you stay green?

We try and reduce our carbon footprint by selling products in refillable bottles, thus reducing glass wastage, and cut transport and packaging costs by buying in bulk.

In your acceptance speech you encouraged people to shop local and support local businesses - what do you think of the town’s business community?

Grantham has suffered like many market towns over the last few years, and needs to encourage more small independent businesses. Once more destination shops are in place shoppers will return in bigger numbers. We are well supported by our existing customers and are attracting new customers which is vital for our long-term success.

*The Trickling Tap at 14 Market Place is open 9am-5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am-7pm on Friday and Saturday. Closed Sundays.

A relative novice just got the better of experience to give Alan Sheppard the Over-50s Handicap Snooker League title this year.

Fifty-nine-year-old Alan, who has only been playing for around three years, was runner-up in the competition last year but rose to the top to take the title by 26 points from Keith Walker.

The league was played on Wednesdays throughout the winter at Grantham Snooker and Pool Club, in St Peter’s Hill, in a best of five frames format.

Alan said he only plays about once a week and has a highest break of 45.

Keith, 81, said he took up the sport as a teenager but only returned to the green baize since he retired. His highest break is 42.

Keith is also a keen bowler, whilst Alan is better known around town for his darts prowess, and he also likes a round of golf now and then.

Two men who admitted to breaking into Grantham Cricket Club and stealing a flat-screen TV and spirits, received a reduced sentence because they had already been on curfew for nearly a year.

Jordan Peacock, 20, of Hornsby Road and Joseph Newman, 18, of Earlesfield Lane both pleaded guilty to committing the burglary last year.

As outlined by prosecutor Marie Stace, on July 2 at about 4am police on duty saw two men carrying large objects which on approach they found to be a flat-screen TV and sports bags.

After identifying themselves to the officers they then both dropped the items and ran off towards the canal.

Inside the bags were bottles of spirits which indicated to police that it was a commerical burglary and after checking the nearby cricket club they discovered a broken window. The suspects, who were both teenagers at the time, were traced and arrested at 5.40am, interviewed and released on bail.

During the police’s investigation they found a footprint at the scene which closely resembled footwear belonging to Newman as well as matching DNA on wire cutters.

Defending Peacock, Giles Tyas said the crime had been committed on impulse and that his client accepted ‘it was a very stupid thing to have done.’

Mr Tyas pointed out that since being released on bail both defendants had been on a 12 hour curfew restricting them to their homes between 7pm and 7am each night for 11 months, which neither had breached.

He added that Peacock had been a DJ but had lost that job because of the curfew, and since struggled to find work.

In light of this Mr Tyas said: “It is fair to say they have had their punishment.”

Rob Arthur who defendend Newman, supported Mr Tyas in asking magistrates to consider going outside their usual sentencing guidelines because of the lengthy curfew and also the inconvenience of the men having to report daily to police.

Magistrates said these were exceptional circumstances and ordered Peacock and Newman to each pay £376.32 in compensation to the cricket club as well as £85 each in prosecution costs.

The court heard how a pregnant woman was punched to the body by another woman during a fight.

Karen Carr, 42, who lives on the High Street, appeared at Grantham magistrates for sentencing, after she changed her initial plea of not guilty to guilty during the trial.

Prosecutor Paul Wood outlined how on July 13 last year Carr went to see the victim at her home in Grantham to ask where a mutual friend of theirs might be, but after exchanging words at the front door they ended up in a fight which was seen by witnesses.

The victim, who was pregnant at the time, was seen curled up in a ball on the ground, while Carr delivered punches to her body.

Mr Wood explained that during the trial the Crown accepted that the complainant had started the fight, but that they judged what Carr did in response as over the top.

Stuart Wild, defending, highlighted that his client had not started the fight and was unaware that the other woman was pregnant until she was told during their altercation, at which point Carr let go and left.

He added that the two women were now quite good friends.

Magistrates described the crime as a ‘nasty offence’ and ordered Carr to pay a fine of £500, prosecution costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £50.

The draw for the Ancaster Cup 2014-15 is as follows:

Preliminary round – Bourne Town Reserves v Langtoft, Blackstones Reserves v Deeping Rangers Reserves; first round – Bourne Town Reserves/Langtoft v Ryhall, Rippingale and Folkingham v Glinton, Baston v Cottesmore, Blackstones Reserves/Deeping Rangers Reserves v Pointon.

A 28-year-old facing charges of possession with intent to supply heroin, cocaine and cannabis was unable to appear before Grantham magistrates’ because he is still in prison.

Stuart Wild, defending, explained that because of immigration reasons Sebastion Joaoa was still in HMP Wandsworth. He had been expected to be released before now.

Joaoa was due to face charges of possessing with intent to supply class A drugs heroin and cocaine and class B drug cannabis on August 15 last year at Harlaxton Road.

The case was adjourned to be heard on June 23.

SKDC is offering residents another chance to join its citizens’ panel.

It has been up and running for just over a year and during that time members have given their views on a variety of topics.

These have included what they think of the council’s priorities and projects and how they would like to contact and deal with SKDC in the future.

To give as many residents as possible the chance to be part of the panel, a third of its numbers are replaced every year. Councillor Paul Carpenter, SKDC’s portfolio holder for Governance and Communications said: “I would like to thank those members of our panel who have taken the time over the last year to let us know what they think about a range of issues.

“Finding out how people use new technology to contact us and what they think of the projects we are working on has helped to inform some of the decisions that we have made over the last twelve months.

“Panel members play a crucial role in our decision making process and it is for this reason I would encourage residents to seize the opportunity to be part of our citizens’ panel.

“Around a third of places on the panel are up for grabs and it’s a great chance for you to have your say on the things your local council does, both now and in the future.”

The refreshment will be undertaken by Social and Market Strategic Research (SMSR) during June.

For more information or to join the Citizens’ Panel, contact the Consultation Team at South Kesteven District Council on 01476 406080 ext 6502/6490 or via email at consultation@southkesteven.gov.uk

A Grantham man has pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

Prosecutor Marie Stace related how at 7.26pm on May 22 Finbar Dunne, 33, of Edward Street was seen by police walking out of Gonerby Social Club unsteady on his feet.

An individual from the social club said that Dunne had stolen something from the premises, and so officers went to speak to Dunne who became angry.

He was reported as saying to officers that he knew people who would harm their families, and consequently was arrested and put into a police car where he threatened to damage the window and kicked the front seats.

Representing himself in court, Dunne said that he was taking antidepressants at the time as well as drinking and that he couldn’t remember what happened on the night.

He was ordered to pay a fine of £100, prosecution costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £20.